Silage Feeding Practices: Identification of Key Constraints and Strategies for Effective Implementation

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of silage feeding practices in cattle management in Ahilyanagar District of Maharashtra state. The sample was constituted 120 respondent cattle owners drawn from three talukas from Ahilyanagar district. The respondents were interviewed with the help of a specially designed schedule. The Ex-post facto research design was used for the present study. The study identified key constraints affecting the adoption of silage feeding practices including a shortage of skilled labour, high labour and machinery costs, poor fermentation techniques, limited availability of quality fodder and lack of awareness about proper storage methods. To overcome these challenges, farmers emphasized the need for small-scale mechanized equipment, government subsidies, farmer training programs, targeted extension efforts and practical demonstrations. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and agricultural organizations, informing evidence-based decision-making and program improvements in agricultural extension services.